MP MUST MAKE VOICE HEARD

JACKIE Oakes’ letter (January 8) clearly sets out why the government’s process for awarding Future High Streets Fund grants is biased against Northern towns like Bacup where property prices are much less than in the South of England.

This is picked up by the Scribbler (January 8), who suggests that Jake Berry should get properly involved.

It really is time that Jake Berry stepped up to the plate. As our MP, he is supposed to be our voice at Westminster. It is time he used that voice to loudly and publicly call for the government to change a process that disadvantages Bacup and towns like it.

His usual vague statements about “working with” someone are no longer enough. He should be seen to be actively pressuring the government to make the awarding of grants fairer.

If he is not prepared to do this, his commitment to the people of Bacup and Rossendale is called into question.

James K Grant

Douglas Road, Bacup